Doi Inthanon
At 8,500 feet above sea level Doi Inthanon is Thailand's
highest mountain. It is a premium site for scenery and offers visitors
forests, bird life and waterfalls. During the winter season the summit
of Doi Inthanon is usually cool and dry, but over recent years temperatures
have fallen lower and lower. You can now on very rare occasions experience
temperatures below freezing point. The area is renowned for mist when
temperatures decline and images of the mountain’s hazy beauty have
become somewhat iconic. Two large pagodas built for the current King
and Queen of Thailand are situated on the mountain’s summit. Doi Inthanon
Forest has been established as a National Park. A trip to the mountain
is often combined with a trip to Mae Klang, Wachiratan and Siriphum
Waterfalls. With over 400 varieties of birds it is also a key destination
for bird watching.
Details : The various sites on and around Doi Inthanon cost
a range of fees. However, a visit to Wat Phra Mahatat Naphamethanidon
will cost 200 Baht and this provides free access to most of the
other sites available.
How to get there : Given the scale of the mountain, joining
one of the many tours organized from the city might prove the best
approach. Alternatively, take a bus to Chom Thong from the Chiang
Mai Gate (south of the city) and then take a bus Mae Klang Waterfall
and then another bus to the mountain.
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